Abstract: The basic principles and main technologies of lightweight mechanical equipment components are summarized. The strength design technologies for lightweight structures are discussed based upon the analysis of simple shape components strength design criteria under simple tension, bending, torsion and fatigue, which extended to the general lightweight structure strength design principles. The lightweight properties of iron, titanium, aluminum, magnesium and cobalt based alloys are compared, and the gradual establishment of lightweight components materials performance indicators system is proposed. The lightweight molding process and surface modification technique are summarized. It is concluded that, to realize the lightweight purpose for the mechanical equipment structures, the optimal processing technique must be employed to improve the strength (or yield strength), bending section modulus (or torsion section modulus), surface strength (or yield strength) and compressive stress state of surface.

Key words: Components, Lightweight, Materials properties, Mechanical equipments, Molding process, Strength design criteria, Surface modification